The transparent medical film dressing (NexCare, SaniDerm, TegaDerm, DermShield, Recovery Derm, etc.) is a breathable, flexible barrier film designed to be worn for multiple days. The film bandage will lock in your body's natural healing fluids and enzymes, creating a bubble of liquid under the film keeping your new tattoo hydrated and aiding the healing process. Your tattoo may not be visible due to the inky, blotchy fluid underneath the film. This is normal.

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The clear medical film your artist applied should remain on for 24 hours minimum and up to 3-5 days depending on your design.  Your artist will provide instruction for a specific amount of time.  The film is water resistant, not waterproof. You may shower with it on being careful to only hand-wash around the film area to avoid small tears or disturbing the sealed edges.

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Removing the barrier film: Pull a corner of the film and gently, slowly peel in the direction of hair growth, stretching the film parallel to the skin. We strongly recommend removing the film while in the shower: the warm water will help loosen the adhesive making it more comfortable to take off, and the residual plasma and ink bubble will be easier to clean. Gently wash your tattoo with fragrance-free liquid antibacterial soap (see LIST) using only your hands. Wash with your hands only. Do not use a scrub brush, washcloth, or anything abrasive. Do not use bar soap

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Reapply a new medical film: If a second film is required, wash and then pat dry with a clean paper towel. With clean hands, reapply a new film - the bandage should cover your tattoo and have a one-inch border around it which will help prevent leaking. The new film should remain on for 3-5 days unless otherwise specified by your artist.

 

After removing the last round of film, switch to a small amount of high-quality fragrance-free lotion (see LIST) for two weeks minimum. Each time you apply lotion, your tattoo should first be gently washed with antibacterial soap, and air-dried or gently pat-dried.

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Do's and Don'ts Specific to Medical Film:

• Your clear film dressing does not protect you from the sun. Avoid direct sunlight.

• If your film is removed prematurely, follow traditional aftercare instructions.

• Avoid activities that would make you sweat excessively, which can affect the medical film's tackiness. Please speak to your artist for additional instruction on how frequently to change the film if this is unavoidable. 

• Due to the fluid build-up underneath the film, a 'bubble' may form that looks inky or blotchy - this is normal and healthy for your tattoo. However, if ink or fluid is leaking out from the side of the film, the seal has been compromised and the film should be removed; apply a new patch, or you may continue the healing regimen with traditional aftercare instructions.